The house that Bel built

Second Story Frame - Tick!

2010-10-07T23:45:00.000-07:00

What a productive week! If only all weeks were this productive whilst building a house. We are not the proud owners of a double story framed house, complete with windows, doors, roof frame and garage frame.

So exciting.

The carpenters were amazing, balancing on the frames with ease. Dad and I got to watch the roof be put in place with the crane yesterday afternoon. What a sight! I actually didn't really want to watch the guys balancing in case of an accident (!) but Dad told me they "do it all the time".

I sent Dad up the carpenters ladder to get piccies of the first floor. I went up as far as my head so I could just see around, I just couldn't work out how I could get off the ladder and onto the first floor without going ar$e over!

I'm really happy with how everything is turning out - room sizes feel pretty good (you can always go bigger). I was always worried that the rooms would be small and pokey, but so far so good. Guess that feeling could change once plaster goes on.

Spoke with the builder to see the next few steps. Next week is plumbers rough in (boring). Week after brick delivery, then week after brickies start. I got some story about large brickie teams being in short supply - which I have heard from the H1 forum - but all well, I knew the progress would go in bursts. I'm still hoping we'll have lock uop by Christmas. We might be pushing it now.

Also trying to finalise the electrical, and I'm trying to plan a trip to the tile place soon.

Pictures as of yesterday - so none yet of the roof frame!

Kids bedroom
Another kids bedroom

Yet another kids bedroom (yes too many kids!)
My WIR (notice I call it mine! Poor DH)
Upstairs area from top of stairs

Is it a bird, is it a plane - NO! It's a frame!

2010-10-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

Ha ha sorry laughing at your own post title is quite sad isn't it!

I'm still at work, but a little birdie (well a close girlfriend who happens to live in our street) told me we have a second story frame!!!!

Typical that I'm have sooo much work on I won't get home until dark tonight, so no pictures just yet. Double typical that Dave and the kids will see it all before me.

All well - still doing my happy dance :) Sooooooo excited to see it!!!!

Bel :)

Go away rain and where's my frame

2010-10-05T00:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update - well there is none. Darn rain - are you kidding. We have had such wet weather in Sydney - typical when all I want is progress progress progress.(And typical weather for a long weekend and school holidays!) *Hmph* Needless to say we do not have a second story as yet, but it does seem there was some work completed. They have in filled the non window areas with plywood type stuff, and the ground floor roof/2nd story floor looks to be further along.

Huuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrry UP!

Bel :)

Oh and I better get to those pictures hey. Hmmm let me see if I can go and get a few for your viewing pleasure.

Completed Slab pictures
Looking from front corner diagonally to kitchen

How's that for some drop edge beams! The indent is the internal access from garage to entry up about 7 steps.

Standing at the front door

The garage

Of course we had to have a tap photo!

These are the external drainage grates we have everywhere that cost a small fortune. At least they aren't detention pits I guess.

Timber!!! One big jigsaw puzzle that turns into a house!

Utilities connected up the driveway to next to the garage.

Looking from the top of the battleaxe.

Kitchen

Looking from the front doors down past the stairs and out the back to the meals/family.

Kitchen window - sink under. Great spot to scream at the kids when they are in the backyard! You think I'm kidding don't you!!!
Study - hard to photograph so just took a picture of the window!

Family - at other end of kitchen.
Lounge/dining looking from family to front of house.

Hmmm must get some updated pictures!

Bel :)

Framed and other developments!

2010-09-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Gee it's been nearly a month between posts again. So slack I know. I haven't even been on my beloved Homeone forum so don't feel too bad - it's not just the blog I'm neglecting.

Well lots has happened (as you would hope) with the build.

First I had to pay the council for the privlege of opening up the road. Another $800 not budgeted for. *rolls eyes*

Then we had all the external drainage (stormwater grates etc) installed......it that the right word?.........then all the ultilities. It was fabulous just to see a tap with running water! They had also installed up the driveway electricity, with our own power pole, water, gas, telstra etc. Very exciting and I don't think I've seen so many trucks and tradies on the block at once.

Then we had a few more dramas. I had a computer crash and was not online for 3 weeks (no email, internet, nothing) It was a laptop crash, and as the laptop I use is my work one, I had to wait for them to come to a solution before I had access to these again.

Finally I gained access to email remotely for a day, and saw a note from the builder needing me to clear the excess soil off the block, as they were waiting to deliver the frames. Oh gosh why didn't someone call me? It was partially my own fault - I had explained to the builder that they were to email me (you know, to always have it in writing). So with me not getting the email, then having to organise the removal of the excess dirt, we had pushed the frame delivery back a few weeks.

But the great news is we are now the proud owners of a first floor with joists, with a view to a second story hopefully by the end of the week.

The carpenters worked until about 4.45pm last night and are just powering through. We went down this morning to see if any of the second story is up, but not yet.

And the other great thing is that the builders timeframe of delivery has been spot on. As we are a battleaxe, there isn't room to store the frames etc. So we had a delivery of the ground floor Monday, Wednesday we received the second floor, and we must be on track to recieve the roof for Friday.

I must say this has been the most exciting part. Walking through the house with walls, you finally get to see those plans come to life. Remember this house isn't on display, so we weren't able to walk through, and we made so many changes it was a little leap of faith. God I'm loving my storage already! Only one area I don't know what I'll do with. But hey, I'm sure I'll work it out.

And to top it off - I received the 2011 Ikea catelogue in the mail today. Now I'm furnishing the house!

Oh I promise pictures when I get them off the camera.

Cheers
Bel :)

San Francisco!

2010-09-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this post has nothing to do with building houses - but Dave and I had such a fabulous time in San Francisco, I thought I'd share some of the millions of photos I took.

I'll let the pictures do the talking.............

A rare photo of the two of us together in the Palace of fine Arts (it was in the movie "So I married an axe murderer")
Moi with the Bay Bridge in the background.

Moi again in Union Square - leaving my heart in San Francisco!

Why we were there in the first place - St Francis Yacht club (in the distance) who hosted the sailing regatta Dave was in.

Coit Tower

Such a beautiful city with architecture to die for! We couldn't believe that on the most average of streets you would find amazing houses. This row of Victorians was on a walking tour I did.

Golden Gate Bridge under fog

Golden Gate Bridge with sunset (beautiful *sigh* this was actually from the sailing club)

Dave and I did this "Go car" tour with our friends Noddy and Sue (Dave's sailing partner and wife). The car is basically a 2 person moped. It was an absolute blast, and the tour with a GPS guide, was informative, had great directions, and was so much fun. This would be such a hit in Sydney.

Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny day! We saw dolphins swimming in the water under the bridge.

A fabulous diner we stopped at, for coffee and breakfast whilst on the car tour. A really great little stop, perched on a cliff, with a stack of history to boot.

Southies for you - the Painted Ladies. Oh and the one on the far left is for sale. About $4 million USD a taxi driver told us.

Goooooooooooo Giants! Yes we went to the Baseball. I loved it so much. Not so much for the game itself (bit like watching cricket), but the people watching - fabulous! They won!!!!

Dave's boat (he's in the middle) - actually an 18ft skiff, the Yandoo. Why we were actually there, thanks to the generosity of Woody and Kerrie. You are both amazing people - thanks :) The boys finished 3rd overall - a great result.

To good to be true

2010-09-06T23:31:00.001-07:00

I knew it! I've been waiting for an email from the new tile place for the "codes" that are included in the builders range. This meant I could go to Bankstown (close to home) to have a look/see and get an idea of the range.

Just received an email. Urgh. It's off to Norwest I go (not close to home). Apparently they don't have the ranges at Bankstown.

Hpmh.

Knew it was too good to be true!

Bel :)

Progress is the sweetest word

2010-09-06T00:40:00.000-07:00

So can you believe it, I still haven't taken more slab pictures. Just. Haven't. Had. A. Chance. I actually can't believe it myself - I was going to get down there to take a few on the weekend, but we had washed out cricket (but ended up with a mate over for Jack), birthday present shopping for the twins (4 on Friday), work, grocery shopping, work, and then Father's Day, it didn't happen.

Anyway, it looks like we will have a continual stream of trades on site for the next few weeks (I guess as long as the weather is ok and the moons align). This week we are booked in for external drainage, and next week the frame will be delivered.

Gee I hope we have rain free weeks for a while.

I'm doing the electrical appointment Thursday. I'll be dropping Jack at school, and then off to Penrith we go! Then it'll be back for school pick up, and then into Randwick for a specialist follow up. I'm not sure how I'll survive the day - it'll be tears all round no doubt!!!

I still haven't completed the tile selection either. I had been putting it off, knowing other friends experiences of the discontinued tiles. I also really don't like DL as a tile store. Anyway it looks like the builder has gone into partnership with another tile place, who of course are at NorWest. But the good news is they have a showroom at Bankstown, so I can go there for a look see, before the actual selections.

That's it for the moment - it's going to be a hectic week!

Bel :)

I believe the term is conslabulations!

2010-08-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

Finally! And I've done the "the slab looks tiny" thought process more than once since yesterday. I keep telling myself a house of 34 squares is not tiny, especially since we are upgrading from 10-11 squares.
Will have to get some more photos in the next few days - I've got 2 friends of Jack's coming over for a play after school this afternoon, then tomorrow busy trying to get Hannah and Tommy's birthday present - without them knowing what I'm doing (They turn 4 next week). Then Friday work. Boring. Don't they know I need to take photos of concrete!!!!
Yesterday when I took these photos my girlfriend came with me. Whilst taking them, I said to her, how many photos of concrete is enough before it's a bit silly. She thought 10. I refrained from telling her I'd already taken more than that!!! (And she built 5 years ago, so should know better!)

Completed - well almost ;)

And this was my favourite part of getting the slab. The tradies were so good about us being on site - they said to me - it's your house. When I explained I had heard horror stories of not being allowed to watch the major progress points - he said, well we have nothing to hide, go ahead and take photos. I took them throughout the day, and by late afternoon, they were still there. The kids wanted to see what all the fuss was, and I wanted to sneak in their initials in the slab. They were all still there (well 5 of the 8 guys who were working on the slab) finally sitting down having a beer/smoko break, which they said was the first of the day. (I hope it was with the beer anyway!). I asked if the kids would be able to put their initials in the garage floor - they couldn't as they hadn't gone over it with the machine - but then proceeded to find me another spot to do it, and helped me get them around the side! Their words - we didn't see anything. Love 'em!

Jack holding the nail which he used to write their initials!

Waffles, Pipes and More!

2010-08-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

When we came home from San Francisco, this is what awaited us! I have to say though, the holiday was great (D'uh) in the fact I don't think I thought about the house once. Must have been the break I needed. :)

Piering

2010-08-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hmmm please excuse the quality of these pictures - My Dad kindly went on site to meet with the engineer and tradies when this was happening, and didn't take a camera *shock*. The best he could do was these pictures with his phone. Thanks Dad :)

Site cut

2010-08-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

No need for words!!!

The time flies.......and then we have progress!

2010-08-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's the start of September! I have had such a busy month, that August has just gone in the blink of an eye.
The funny thing is, we have waited so long for progress on the house, and then all of a sudden......we have a slab. *Shock* I know. You would have thought I'd be yelling it from the roof tops, and more importantly let you all know, but I've been so flat out I haven't found the time.

So let me back track, and give you an update:

We had the site cut back at the start of August, which was an amazing feeling. A little bit excited, mixed with a little bit terrified. This house was going to happen. Finally.
Piering was completed next, wait 'til you see the pictures - looks like we are building a house to resemble swiss cheese. Well in the ground anyway.
Then while we were away (Dave and I went to San Francisco for a week)- plumbing, boxing up the frame for the slab, waffle pods and whatever else they do.
Yesterday *drum roll please* the slab was laid. (And the fact we were back from San Fran, and I was working at home, made it even sweeter)

Let the photos begin..........

Lights Camera Action!

2010-07-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

Finally after all this time, we have action on the block. Can you believe it? I certainly can't!

I was asked by a friend if I cried and could I believe it. Well I didn't cry - much to my surprise - I was more excited than anything.....maybe I'm holding back the tears for the slab? It's been so long, and so many frustrating, angry, upset tears have been shed, I think it was a case of relief, excitement and wonder.

So last weekend the digger was delivered. Because of our difficult block, the first thing to be done was the sewer encasing. Not a glamourous first job on the block like a slab, but action anyway!

Dave and I were in the front yard Sunday morning, and saw it being delivered. We screamed at the kids (nothing unusual there.....) to get outside and take a look!

In the afternoon, we all walked down (it's about 5 houses away from the rental) took photos (below) and went and told the neighbours it was all going to start. We had a lovely welcome from our neighbours on the right. They asked us in for a cuppa, and were really happy for us. Even invited the kids in the pool in summer! The lady at the front just wanted to know when it would be finished!!! ha ha ha!!!

Wednesday was the start of the actual digging.

We now are the proud owners of a concrete line! But this is where our house will grow. Can't wait!!!

Bel x x x

The empty block

What's that on the block!!!
Pegs!

The troops!
Water at the end of our street - about 100m away
The Loo!

Concrete truck!
Concrete!
The old pipes that are being replaced
The new pipes/connectors

It's official - we are under Construction!

2010-06-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well our file has been passed to "Construction" - ok they haven't started digging just yet, but yay! Here we go!!!!! ARRRGHHHHHH !!!!! ( that's an excited and scared argh!!!)

Bel :)

The point of No Return

2010-06-09T18:47:00.001-07:00

We have paid the deposit and signed the contract. That was not without drama's, but anyway

The peg out and risk assessment has been ordered (28 May) and it is supposed to take a couple of weeks to come through. We *hopefully* should be starting within the month. First up though, won't be a slab, but all the sewer stuff they need to do. But as I've said all along, a start is a start, as long as they are doing something on the block!

I also need to introduce another member of our family! No, I haven't secretly had another child! Upon return of my weekend away, DH and kids introduced me to Freddie Birdie, a rainbow lorikeet, that landed in the backyard on DH's shoulder, and hasn't left! He is really tame and loves cuddles at night he likes to cuddle into your neck! We have been looking for his family, but no one seems to have reported him missing. If we can't find his family, we will be keeping him - my rubber arm has been twisted.

It's all happening

2010-06-01T02:35:00.000-07:00

Today we had some further developments - received in the mail a letter from the PCA outlining "stuff". I'll need to reread it a couple of times - I've got a sinus infection and can't think straight. :( We also got the home warranty insurance paperwork from Vero, the company that the Builder had bought a policy from in our name. And lastly I had another call from K, my customer service rep who just wanted to check we had the block clear ready to go! Yep, it sure is - trees are gone, piles of crapola gone, garage demolished years ago!

Oh so exciting - yet another step closer!

Bel :)

Construction Certificate issued!

2010-05-31T00:19:00.000-07:00

OMG can you believe it! I'm so excited - can't wipe the smile from my face!!!

Today we had the call we have been waiting weeks (years) for. We finally have the construction certificate.

I'm so excited - did I tell you that!!! ha ha ha

This week we need to sign the contract, which should be tomorrow, Wednesday at the latest, then the site start will be within 20 working days from that. Our Customer Service lady - K, said she will try and push the start asap, due to length of wait we have had all this time. Thanks you K, yes please push the start forward as much as possible. Fingers crossed, but that should mean that we have something happening before the end of June. I think I'll pass out when I see actual work happening!!!

Yay for me!!!!!!

Bel :)

Update on the update - take 2

2010-05-27T02:02:00.000-07:00

Hmph *bloody* Hmph. We still do not have a CC. The certifier has now asked for a Certification for the Hydraulic Design that it complies with Council regulation. Oh please, how many more darn reports can we possibly get on this house. Seriously, we have so many plans, engineering reports, and the like, I'm really over it atm. Just start it. *AARRRGGGHHHHH*

Bel :)

Update on the update

2010-05-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hmph, still no CC *rolls eyes*. Emailed the builder today asking where are we at, and they are waiting for the Home warranty insurance to come through. Let's hope we get it tomorrow as mentioned.

Thanks for the coffee girls (Themax, Southies, Justcamping) - had a ball :) Loving our new H1LLS club!

Bel :)

No celebration tonight :(

2010-05-20T23:37:00.000-07:00

All well, I knew it was too good to be true - no we don't have the CC. Well the builder has left it until the 11th hour to get back to me, and said that we should now have it Monday. Hmph.

Good news though the Bank is all sorted, apparently all we need to do send off a fax authorisation when we need to pay a progress payment. They don't need anymore paperwork etc, so that's one good thing.

I'm not thinking about house stuff this weekend! Master 7 has soccer, and 2 birthday parties on Saturday, then another party on Sunday. Looks like I'll be the taxi to and from the parties all weekend.

Looking forward to seeing you Southies, Themax and JC Monday morning for coffee! So excited!

Bel x x

And closer again......

2010-05-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Well rubbish man quoted and got the job. He will be coming Saturday - yes tomorrow - to remove all the rubbish from the block, then we will have a nice clean slate for the builder to start.

Going off now to call the Bank to see what they need (if anything) to be happy to release funds when we need to.

I still know we are a good few weeks away to starting, but I'm a teeny tiny bit more enthused so I'll run with it! Ha ha ha

Will let you know if we actually get the CC today :)

Bel

Another step closer

2010-05-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Wow, well I just got off the phone from the builder, and we should have our construction certificate by the end of the week!!! *does happy dance* Next week we will finalise contract (need to sign it) and bank stuff (need a letter to commence or something???) then we should be ready to go!

I made another call today to a rubbish removal person - we have a pile of rubble/concrete/crappola up the back, that if we don't get rid of now, it will become a feature once the house is built. Hopefully this guy actually quotes and gets back to me. I've made so may calls about the pile of rubbish, it seems no one wants the work *rolls eyes*

Small steps but oh so exciting!!!

Bel :)

Another month goes by

2010-05-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

At least this time I have some promising news!

Let me start where I left off........

We finally got the drainage plans through, but lo and behold, no OSD, but 6, yes 6, grate things in the ground everywhere. It seems to me that we are compensating for the council's lack of adequate stormwater assets.

Anyway, the drainage plans did not include utilising the side easement. When I questioned this with the builder, I was asked if I actually told the drainage engineer that we had an easement. Huh, isn't that your job?

Long story short - the easement is too complicated to use, so we will just go with the drawn up plans. It is costing $10k more than budgeted for, but what can we do. Looks like we won't have new furniture for a while *rolls eyes* I'm at the stage I just want the darn thing to start, so I have hope that we will indeed get a house one day.

I've sent an email to the builder this arvo, to say, ok go ahead with drainage plans, and now what's next!

Will let you know!

Bel

The rollercoaster of building

2010-04-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

OK where to I begin......(It's a long post but I gotta get it out....)

Yesterday I had the worst day so far with the build. We have had some pretty low days when you look back on my posts - voluntary administration, salesmen and their lies - but I think yesterday topped all that.

We had the dreaded call from the Drainage/Stormwater Engineer.

Now if you are reading this and have built before, you know where this is going, and it's not pleasant.

Yes, we had the dreaded "I think you need a Onsite detention pit/underground 20,000 litre rainwater tank" conversation. For those of you who don't know, basically it means the cost of a car goes into the ground. Yep we were told we'd be lucky to get out of it for $20k.

Needless to say I was hysterical. I think it was a lot of things that got me to breaking point, and this just tipped me over the edge.

I spent the day trying to understand drainage - had a crash course from the Engineer. We are on the high side of the street, in an upsloping block. The issue we had is that the council calculate hard vs soft surfaces, roof area and so on, based on your block and house size. As we are a battleaxe, the battleaxe handle is included in the calculation, and it is a (proposed) concrete driveway (based on council requirements!).

I spoke with the town planner who approved the DA/S96, and he advised that's the rules, but find out the calculations with the Engineer and speak with the Drainage Engineers at council. I left a message for our Engineer to say the above.

When he called late afternoon, he had proactively spoken with Council, and had gained approval to not include the battleaxe in calculations.

Success! No OSD for us!

Ha ha today it's not that easy. Our builder uses a private certifier for the construction certificate, so the council engineer can not just approve it for us - it doesn't actually go past his desk.

So where are we at now - not out of the clear. I'm waiting to see if the Engineer can convince who he spoke with at council to put it in writing, so the private certifier will approve.

Now you understand the rollercoaster of our build.

We're Back!

2010-04-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

Well we have returned from holidays anyway! I've actually come home with a fractured knee, well fractured tibial plateau, not my idea of a souvenir. The good news is no surgery is required - went to the surgeon yesterday, who 17 years ago completed my ACL reconstruction. So it's a few more weeks of crutches and a leg brace, no driving, and kids & DH who can't cope, then back to normal!

House update, well it's all so frustrating. I seriously think at times no one really wants to build this house. DH called the builder today - it's getting too much for me atm - and wanted to know time frames to start.

It's something like this - Hydraulics, Water Board approval, Dilapidation report all due next week. (They should have pushed these through weeks ago....) The construction certificate will be issued. Bank needs to issue a commencement to start or something, then it can happen. Looks like to me we are still about 4 weeks away.

Just make it happen. Arghhhh.

I was having a building/renovation conversation with my Mum the other day (Mum and Dad are doing major reno's to their place which has dragged on, and they are over it) and we came to the conclusion, "He who shouts loudest gets the most done". Now I don't believe this is everyday life, but it seems that it's going to be our philosophy for the build. Call twice a week and be on their back. Why does it have to be this way?

Bel

Engineers reports, Trees and Holidays

2010-03-16T02:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update. Spoke with the builder yesterday and again today - follow up (!) - and the Structural engineer report and another (?) are completed, now need the dilapidation report and stormwater hydraulics report (I think). Hmmm not good at focusing on the detail am I!
They also need to get Sydney Water approval for the building over the sewer.

We also got 4 trees cut down yesterday, and the tree people are also clearing the block of crapola for us. It means that the block will be completing clear, ready for building. We inherited a pile of concrete/rubble from god knows who (probably the previous owner - can't remember).

Getting there!!! And it's finally getting exciting.

Oh and we are going on holidays tomorrow! Taking the kids to the Gold Coast for a family holiday. We haven't taken the twins before, and this will be the first time they have been on a plane.

See you all late March!

Bel x x x

Internal colors

2010-03-12T21:28:00.001-08:00

Well now I'm on a role with posting again, thought I might as well upload the internal colors.

Again they are similar to last time - just better!!! Ha ha ha

Internal Walls :Taubmans/Bristol Moonriver
Trims/Doors/Ceiling: Illusive White
Kitchen Cupboards: White Gloss poly
Kitchen Bench: QQ Luna White
Kitchen Kickers: White Gloss Poly
Laundry Cupboards: Polytec Gesso Lini (sorry Mich got a bit carried away from white ;) )
Laundry Benchtop: Polytec Snow Fabrini
Ensuite/Powder Room Benchtop: QQ Riverstone
Main Bath Benchtop: QQ Ice
All Bathroom vanities: Designer White
Tiling: to be selected at a later date - but see photos for my ideas :)
Front Doors: Hume XVP11 for Stain
Staircase: Stained handrail and posts - waiting for quote if I have standard black stingers (is that the word ??) or stainless steel. All will be vertical with not fancy ones!!! Plain aren't I?

That's all I can think of atm - Oh had to do all the taps and things, but for me that wasn't very exciting!!! Dad will change over tapware, showerheads, kitchen to a vege sprayer at a later date for me. Thanks Dad :)

Here is all the internals together. Was hard to photograph with the overhead light, and the camera flash. On my laptop it's looking a little pinky, not in real life thank goodnees!!!

Enjoy!!!

External Colors

2010-03-12T02:25:00.001-08:00

I had the color selection Thursday where I had to select all external and internal colors and selections expect tiling and flooring.

Thanks to the ever talented Michelle at De Novo Concepts who is fabulous with color, it made the formal selection process a breeze.

It took an hour to run through external and internal selections, with me only having to make a couple of selections on the spot.

Michelle also took the headache of agonising over selections away - I told her it was now her headache!!! (Lucky she has a sense of humour and laughed!!!)

Here are the external selections - similar to first time 'round, but better :)

The picture has come up pretty small - if you click on it, it should be clearer.

Bricks: Boral Blackheath
Roof: Boral Charcoal Grey Striata (sp?)
Mortar: Off white Raked
Gutters, Fascia, Downpipes: Woodland Grey
Windows/Sliding doors: Surfmist
Garage Door: Windspray
Front Doors: Timber stained

I think that's it :)

Enjoy

Bel x x x

New Plans

2010-03-12T02:18:00.000-08:00

I am am addict of the great homeone forum http://forum.homeone.com.au/index.php - over the past few years, I've really enjoyed reading people's stories of their builds, and also gained a lot of knowledge, and great ideas to steal!!!

So in my thread, I had a lovely comment from "Jim", who had been following our progress - or lack of there of....and wanted updates on the blog and plans. I feel really excited and touched that someone cares about the drama we have been through - most people see us and say "how's the house going?" OR "got a house yet", but truly don't understand all the shit we have been faced with.

So Jim, this is for you :)

She's not the prettiest house on the street, but she's ours! :)

Ground floor
First Floor

Enjoy!

Bel x x x

New beginnings - again :)

2010-03-12T02:06:00.001-08:00

Wow Here I am back! :)

At lot has happened in the past 6+ months. DH and I went around in circles trying to find the best solution for us and our family.

I'll try and reduce the past few months in a paragraph or two........

In a nutshell, we had 2 choices - sell and buy established, or persevere with a build. We shopped around for an established place, but in the end, we couldn't afford what we could build.

So then it was ok - what house/builder do we build??? We decided we just need *a* house on the land, to get out of rental hell, and get some balance in the kids lives - not the *one day new house*

Unfortunately HH didn't work out - very long story there, and we went back to W to say - build a house.

As in all great sagas, it couldn't have been that simple - yep prices went up to build, and we had less money than when we started as rental houses in Sydney are a shocker. So, once we received a revised tender, it was again 2 choices - borrow more money, or slash and burn the house. We chose *reluctantly* the slash and burn option. Had to cut off the rumpus (I cried for days), but ended up reconfiguring kitchen/laundry area which I'm happy with. I'm now over the *we aren't going to have a rumpus for the kids* and figure, they will have their own bedrooms for the first time, as well as several living areas - gee what more could we possibly give them........

So where are we now - well the Section 96 was approved, we had color selection Thursday, engineers reports are being ordered and Construction certificate is on it's way.

Let's get Bel a house in 2010!!!! :)

Going around in circles

2009-08-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Long time no post. Again no good news.

Start rant:
Arrggh is all I can say!!! Sales rep is on holidays at the moment, but didn't bother to tell us that.

We redesigned again during the last week of the school holidays (4 or so weeks ago) and Sales Rep didn't bother to get back to us with revised pricing. I called the office last week to find out he was on leave until the end of the month. Today I've finally spoken with someone who just told me the latest tender price which I'm not so happy about! I haven't seen a break down in costs but he said site costs were $61k and DEB's another $30k. Hmmmm what to do. We are way over budget now. It annoys me that out our first meeting we discussed budget and house size, but they are now saying that they can not do it in our original price range. (We are at least 50k over it)
I haven't been overly happy with them up until now, but keep telling myself that once I get through the sales rep process, they will be better (I figure the sales rep just doesn't know what he is talking about!). I think, like a friend on H1 said, I was kidding myself that when HH said they were the sloping block specialists, that I actually believed it!!! Again I think my jaded view is clouded by the sales rep's lack of knowledge.
End Rant!

I have been talking with smaller builders in our area for a custom build, but keep hitting roadblocks. One recommended builder does Tafe teaching now, another quoted $2k a sq m (which would be around $750k! -we don't have that budget!!! :lol: )

I'm now talking with W again, just to get a house built. My preference is HH's split level, but long ago I've given up on the dream home idea. I just want some stability for my family, as we have been on this journey nearly 2 years. You live and learn. What I thought initially was a flat block, well I know what to look out for next time!

Time to get a house built Belinda!!!

Onwards and upwards!!

Roadblocks

2009-07-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since posting on here, mainly because I still don't have any good news. I've been a bit down about the so called "build", and can't believe we are still having problems. The new builder, actually sales rep, just doesn't seem to understand how to build on our block. Yes, it is not a standard block, in a new estate, like he is probably used to. But, the KDRB market is a valuable one here in Sydney, and the majority of KDRB's would be on difficult blocks in some way. Anyway I digress, point of the matter is he doesn't know enough technical stuff to assist us, it's only when I kick and scream that he seems to get it.

So what's been happening.....
After the last post, we received a tender document with the revised changes, half splits etc, and the cost did increase a little but we were ok with it. It's at the top end of our spending so no fancy upgrades (we maybe a few!) but not upgraded to the max like the last place was. I'm happy with this, surprisingly. Long ago I've given up that idea of this will be our "dream" house. Nope, we will build that another time!

The sales rep wanted us to sign on the dotted line, but basically he couldn't answer my pressing questions. The conversation went something like this:
Me: I've spoken with Sydney water about the sewer line in the garage, and potentially accordingly to the drawing we could have a sewer suspended mid air in the garage. What are the floor levels etc to make sure this isn't happening.
Sales Rep: Oh don't worry about that, once we get to contract we will order a sewer pegout, and it will show it then.
Me: Ummm, bit of a show stopper isn't it.
Sales Rep: Na na just sign
Me: Don't think for one moment I will sign a damn thing when this might not even be the house we build. Why would I sign anything when I don't know what house I'll be building. Are you kidding.
Sales Rep: Umm are there any questions you have from the tender.
Me: Until we sort this out I am not signing a thing and not prepared to move forward. As for the tender I haven't even started on that. (!)
Sales Rep: Oh ok let me speak with the architect/designer.

Gets back to me a few days (!) later, and the conversation is:
Sales Rep: Ok we think the best thing to do is do a sewer pegout as we can not rely on a verbal from Sydney Water. I've spoken with "Management" who is willing to share this cost.
Me: (thinking ffs) Yep do it, that's what I've been trying to say

About a week later, still no pegout, so I chase and say when is it happening? To the reply of it's been ordered.

Finally I get a copy and we have answers.

But AGAIN I've have to question the design principles....the conversation.....

Sales Rep: We have the pegout back and we need to raise the level of the house about 1 meter.
Me: Riiigghhhttt, so aren't we going back to the initial problem. (See previous post about laundry issue, and full split vs half split). Why are you continuing to try and make this house fit, when we have asked you from day one to design it to our block and our requirements!!!! Argghh
Sales Rep: Oh, ok well I wanted to drop in the new revised tender with the amendments to the floor level, raising it up.
Me: (thinking are you for real) Fine drop it in, but we still have a fundamental problem
Sales Rep: Ok I'll drop it in.

About 15 mins later he calls again
Sales Rep: I've spoken with "Management" you know the Head honcho (Bel rolls eyes), and he said not to give you that tender as it will just get you offside with the increased amounts for Drop edge beams etc, maybe it is best you come in and speak with the architect again and design again.
Me: Yep (told you so)

So we are now waiting to visit them again for the 4th time (I think) at bloody Baulkham Hills. The worst part is that it's school holidays so I will have to take 3 kids with me. Arrghhh. Hopefully Mum (love you Mum!) will be free to take them for a milkshake!

Here are a couple of my goes at redesigning for the problems on the block. Anyone else got any ideas? BTW I'm not going to show them, I want to see what they come up with!!!

I didn't quite work out the upstairs bedroom areas in the 3 plans yet, but it's a start. I think the first one is my favorite at the moment - would probably work out to be most expensive! Argghh.

Oh - if you are still reading - Well done - I crapped on didn't I!!! ha ha ha :)

Just give me a #@$% house!

2009-05-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

It has been about a month since I've updated the blog - I've been busy with "stuff". You know the type of thing - kids, DS sleep problems (which we now have a diagnosis Yippee), me trying to find a new job, the list goes on!

Anyway, as you can see from the posts title, I'm getting so frustrated with this whole process.

Let me summarise what's happened in the last few weeks.

After we received the sketches, a few days later we got these - the revised sketches drawn up properly with our changes. I still am happy with these plans, and think we'll have a house that is a bit different.Might not be to everyone's cup of tea, but works for us and the block!!

Front Elevation

Ground Floor

Upstairs Floor

So like I said we were happy with the design, and the Sales guy wanted to meet with us the following week to discuss plans, revised costs and going forward.

In that meeting he came to our home after hours - I thought it was just because he didn't want the twins wrecking the display again :) lol! DH told me to give the guy a break and he is just trying to offer some service. Hmmmm I'm too cynical! Anyway what was presented was all good, in budget (just) and we agreed to sign the paperwork to go to tender.

Anyway that was a couple of weeks ago, and Mother's Day weekend, Dh was on the block trying to clear the 2m high weeds, and a surveyor from Huxley turns up to do levels. Great - somethings happening we think. Even though I had supplied 2 other builders levels, as well as the DA that had been previously approved, and everything else except costings.

Well on Monday I called to find out where the tender was, (why do you have to chase them Grrr) and to find out where we are at, and to organise to go through the display home up at Fern Bay (just past Newcastle on the way to Nelson Bay). I wanted to go to Newcastle on Wednesday, as DS was at school and goes to a friends in the afternoon (no pick up), and Mum could have the twins.
No, couldn't do it - they have a sales meeting in Sydney, so the local rep is here. Hello, can't ANYONE else show me the darn house. So annoying and I let him know it. It is so hard to organise no kid time to do stuff like this, I was soooo pissed off.

Then the sales rep announces that he needs to see us as there has been issues with the laundry and the levels. Ummm what's the problem I say - the laundry is about 2m off the ground!

So what ended up happening was that he came over again to show us the problems, and explained that the designer/architect when drawing the house used the levels that W had on their drawings, but when H did the levels they differed and there way of fixing the laundry off the ground issue was a set of steps to the backyard. Not ideal.

Then we started asking the sales rep about the whole design philosophy. Wow I know more about building than he does, either that or he's told not to say anything! I understand we have a difficult block - but our reason for going to H in the first place is because they building split level homes. They should have experience in this!!! Grrr. Basically it looks like they have taken natural ground level from the back of where the house would be, and built forward. It means we have a full split, and massive cut and soil removal. We tried to ask why this is the case, he couldn't answer. So off we went the next day to head office again, to sit with the designer/architect to do the design properly and to discuss levels/design better.

It seemed to me that they had a design that didn't really work, and instead of redesigning, they tried to come up with quick fix solutions.

They meeting was heated, but hopefully they understand we are not idiots and understand more than they think.

Also, looks like we will have half spilts, should suit the land better. You know, the fall over the building platform is about 3m. It is quite a bit, but isn't that why you have split level homes?

Will keep you posted. Hoping to have new sketches and a tender this week.

Had to share this picture with you - it reminds me why I'm on this journey (It is a couple of months old but who cares!) . We are coming up to 2 years since we sold the last place :(

Bel :)

Draft Plans - yippee!!!

2009-04-18T01:34:00.000-07:00

What an exhausting day!!!

I love the plan, very different to what I thought though. I was under the impression they would create from scratch, but they ended up modifying/using the basis of the house we liked which is the design we liked in the first place!!!!

They have suggested a full split, not a half split between levels, meaning the downstairs is a full flight of stairs. We had thought we would have a trilevel - 2 story at the front and the back level in between if that makes sense. This HH think is the most cost effective way for our block, rather than the half split. Fair enough I say. I just wasn't prepared for that!!!

When we were there, we added the study/workshop/MPR/walk in linen/reconfigured the kids bedrooms. I didn't get softcopys of the plans, "E" drew the revisions in front of us.

So here they are!!! Really quite hard to see - I've added some text so you can make sense of them!! Can't wait for you all too see them. Let me know what you think - and any suggested changes.

I love the kitchen - hated the last one! I love the raked ceiling in the meals/living - hopefully will be that 'wow' factor.

It's exciting again.

Edit - Can't work out the photos - if you click on them they will open up so you can see them.
Edit again - trying to fix photos

Too many phone calls in one day.......

2009-04-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the phone call day from hell. Besides the huge amount of personal calls (!!! it is school holidays...) I had two phone calls that floored me, for different reasons.

The first was from Westminster Homes Michael Thurecht, General Mgr of the new home builds. Well that caught me out, my MIL and SIL and her troops had just arrived, my kids were screaming with excitement, and my mobile rings. It was a very interesting call, the cynic in me just says he is fishing around the "not yet signed a contract with Westminster, but has approved plans" people to see what business, if any, they will retain. I actually enjoyed talking to him, was very frank, and stayed calm (this is a biggie if you don't know me personally!). I told him we were shopping around, because at the end of the day, I just want a home built for my family. We talked about the administrators meeting, and some of the calls he has had, and I explained that you knew to expect that (don't cry poor me to me!). So I give him credit actually calling people, but he did want to gauge whether we were jumping ship.

The other call was late afternoon, I had just pulled into a girlfriends driveway - she needed to have wine with someone, while she fed her 3 kids, so thought we might as well do it together! My kids just jumped out of the car, while I was speaking with the sales rep "J" from Huxl3y homes. He wanted to advise that the first set of plans were ready, and E the architect/designer wanted to present them to us on Saturday if possible. Yes please. "J" said the plans look really great (well he isn't going to say you know - they look shit) but I did get very excited! So somehow on Saturday we need to get DS to 2 games of soccer locally, and get everyone to Homeworld at Kellyville by 12noon. Hmmm. Mum is still o/s with my sister, so Dad offered to help out with the kids but I'll see if a friend can take DS for the arvo. Then he will just have the twins, hopefully he can take them for a milkshake and a play in the park and we should be cool. Worst case he can just chuck them in the car and drive them around for an hour!!

Will keep you all posted!

Bel

Progress Update - Yes we have progress!!!!

2009-04-15T00:50:00.000-07:00

Well I received an email this arvo from the Sales rep from Huxl3y homes saying that the draft plans are nearly ready and they'll be in contact very soon!! I'm pretty excited to see what they have come up with.

Oh, better tell you what has happened in the last few days to get to this point.......

Over the Easter break we decided that we would go ahead with the initial deposit and see what they came up with in terms of plans. We will receive floorplans, elevations, facade options etc. They also use CAD so I'm assuming that we will see a computer generated walk through. Better check. We had negotiated a lower deposit price that was a more suitable amount, so we thought we might as well bite the bullet and get something started again.

Will let you know how we go!!!

Options Options Options

2009-04-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Yes we have options!

Over the past few weeks we have been in discussions with several other volume builders. Some have been helpful, others not so.

We went to a meeting with the salesman and designer from Huxl3y homes yesterday. They have quite a few floorplans that are split level that suit our needs and budget. However, the designer on looking at the block, council restrictions and our needs, thinks doing a custom design should be the way to go. I've always been wary of this option. However after the last few weeks, I am a lot more open to it.

It see it this way now - we get a house designed for our block, for our needs, on a volume builders budget. Sounds better already! They showed us the price per sq meter charge sheet, so we can build a home similar in size to the previous one, but will have rooms that we dictate (ie goodbye formal dining - don't need it).

The designer also talked about block orientation, something that wasn't even looked at prior (to be fair to W, they were just trying to get a house on the block!).

Looks like we might have a home that is quite different to the 'standard' volume builders home. By that I mean split levels, some living areas substanially forward of the garage etc. The blue shows roughly the old footprint of the house on the land, and the red is what was discussed yesterday. Using the block better :).

Lets hope it works out! I'm getting a little bit excited again!

Starting again

2009-03-28T02:20:00.000-07:00

Well we have started the process of looking for a new plan/builder. There have been a lot of positive reports that Westminster will trade out of trouble, I just can't trust them anymore. I almost feel like a betrayed lover.

I'm such an educated buyer of a home this time - in so many different ways. I understand our block and it's limitations, understand our Council and it's quirks (wall articulation etc), understand our budget meaning I can look at a base price and know if we can afford it.

So we are looking around for that house and builder. It's still going to be what can we build on our block in our budget that suits our needs. But we are another day closer to the dream.

B xxx

Frigging hell

2009-03-25T03:20:00.000-07:00

Ok I'm allowed to say this as I've had the 48 hours from hell.

W3stm1nster Homes are having cash flow problems, and will know by the end of the week if they are to continue trading.

Arggghhh, I've spent hours crying over this - yes I'm an emotional person - I don't think this blog explains the full extent of what we have gone through in the past 18 months. It's basically been a waiting game, and we thought we had an end in sight.

So, what will we do.

I personally don't know how the Bank's extending the builder more credit will help with their problems. Isn't it robbing Peter to pay Paul??? Interesting enough on the ASIC website, someone in the company has either jumped ship, or joined. I'm guessing jumped ship to try and protect their assets before they go under.

Dave and I will look at all our options now.

Maybe because we are far more knowledgeable this time around, the process won't be so drawn out.

Hell at least this might be the catalyst to get rid of this terrible rental.

Oh, and themax - I might even get a builder that uses Dulux paints!!! (A bit of humour in a shit time doesn't hurt anyone)

Will keep you updated.

B x x

Edit - doesn't a few hours make a difference. They are officially under the control of an Administrator. Will post an update soon. Apprantely we will be receiving an email direct from the Adminstrator this afternoon. Off to check emails.

Are we there yet?

2009-03-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

I feel like a child in a long car trip asking "Are we there yet?". Once more, you might have guessed it, I don't have a lot to report.

I think the demo guy is trying to do a dodgy on us, by saying we have asbestos under the concrete slab of the old garage. I'll be asking for proof of this, as I believe the garage would have been built not that long ago probably mid to late 80's.

The builder is still trying to get the final engineering reports, apparently one of our neighbours does not want the engineers to access their house, so they can't get the damn report done, therefore no construction certificate for us.

I have asked the builder to chase this report and they are calling me back tommorrow with an update. I think I've made it clear I'm over and want a house.

We have chosen White Smoke as our trim color, not our first choice but the closest to the look we are after. I'm sure once we are in I won't even notice it!

That's about it at the moment!

B x x x

We have a decision - almost!

2009-03-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

After much investigating from my pal "themax" from Homeone, and myself, we have finally gotten to the bottom of our internal wall color dilemma.

We were told a straight out no to using a Dulux color, not even mixing the color in Taubmans paint. So I have been on a quest to find an equilivant color to Dulux's Hogsbristle. Well today I received a nice suprise in the mail from my pal "Southies" from Homeone, an A4 color swatch of Moonriver. I'm liking it :)

Here it is with the kitchen and bathroom stone and cupboard colors. You can't really tell with this picture (my photography skills are crap), but it does all go together! As a reminder, Kitchen is Quantum Quartz Luna White with White Gloss cupboards, Bathroom is Quantum Quartz New Mink with White Matt vanities. Have asked how much to upgrade vanities to gloss!

Not much to update

2009-03-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

Well here we are in March, and lo and behold we aren't really that much closer on the start date.

I have been following up the demo guys to take away the skip bin, and clear the rest of the junk on the site.

Have also been waiting to find out how the engineering reports are going from the builder. I gather no news is good news! (Hopeful aren't I :) )

Still having troubles with the internal paint colors - I've been told by the builder the only real option is to go back into the display room at Baulkham Hills and pick the color from there. Hmmm with the kids it's impossible. DH might have to take the day off. Last time I went it took me nearly 2 hrs in Sydney peak hour traffic. Don't want to do that again!

Also not happy with the kitchen - think I'll ask to go to the kitchen company they use and get their design ideas. Kitchen isn't big enough for everything I want in there!

Also called a timber floor company, and looks like we will get solid timber floors downstairs in the entry, hallway, kitchen, meals and family. Will try and get out there Saturday with the troops to see the timber in real life!

That's all for now. Gotta go and met with an arborist onsite to see how much he is going to charge me to work to our tree management plan as part of our DA approval conditions. (More money *sigh* less upgrade *double sigh*)

More internal color decisions......

2009-02-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today DH, the kids and I went to WK Stone, the makers (or importers?) of Quantum Quartz stone benchtops. I wanted DH to have some input into the house (!) and wanted to see the colors that I'd chosen in a bigger piece.

We are happy with the Luna White for the kitchen, and New Mink for the bathrooms.

While we were there, next door was a kitchen showroom, owned by WK. Apparently Wonderful Kitchens (WK) is owned by the father of the family, and the sons started WK Stone. Anyhoo, we get our kitchen through the builder, but through we would have look. Lovely kitchens, and the Blum pot drawers, pantries etc are too die for. Mind you, not in our budget!

We are a little closer with the internal paint color now also. My fellow H1 member "themax" asked the question I was thinking - what is the taubmans equilivanet for Dulux's Hog Bristle. I have a few to look at - Moon River, Village Cream, and another one I can't remember! I think it will work out just fine!

I have already changed the internal door handles. (Did that via email). But I am going to have to make a trip back out to Bella Vista at Baulkham Hills to finalise the colors. Argghhh so far away. (And the builders color consultant said just pop in when I'm in the area - which is never!)

Still waiting for our construction certificate. Hoping it will be issued in the next week or so.

But whats on the inside? Just say upgrade!

2009-02-11T23:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm still learning about this blog stuff.....

As I mentioned before internal colors had my head spinning. I thought I knew what I wanted, and I did, but just not in our builders range. For example I wanted Hog Bristle on the walls, which is a Dulux color. Nope can't have it. Oooook then, what do I have. Well it's still not decided!

This is what I did select:

Kitchen:
Quantum Quartz : Luna White
Cupboards/Kickboards: 2pac Gloss Designer White
Splashback: Fixed toughened glass window

This is the look I wanted (thanks to the ever talented D@n on homeone)

Bathrooms:
Quantum Quartz : New Mink
Vanities: Designer White
Toilets: Upgraded to closed back bit (technical term as you can see)
Vanity basins upgraded

Doors:
Internal: 4 panel
Front: Double solid door painted Ironstone

Ummmm I had to select a lot more but my brain is fried. When I go back through today's appointment will add some more.

But I don't like the ones with the red dots

2009-02-11T23:34:00.000-08:00

If you are building with a volume builder, or have done so in the past you will know what I mean!

Today I got to do the "Color Selection". I thought I pretty much knew what I wanted - ha. Little did I know that everything I thought I wanted was the dreaded UPGRADE. The words I didn't want to hear. I seem to have a champagne taste on a water budget (don't we all *eyes roll*).

Also, the color consultant/designer,whilst she was really nice, is just a glorified sales lady. I could almost see the $$$ building in her eyes. (It reminded me of when you buy a new car, and you have to sit at the desk where they go through the paint protection and so on).

Anywoo - what did I pick. Well I'm so brain dead I can't remember it all!

Externals - we had preselected these as they needed to be approved in our DA for council.

Bricks: Boral Blackheath
Roof: Tiles Straitia Charcoal gray color through
Mortar: Off white, raked joints
Downpipes, Gutters, Front door: Ironstone
Fasica, Garage door, Windows: Surfmist

This image is from the Boral Bricks Boral vision software. Our facade is different but it gives you an idea of the look we are going for.
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The Plans

2009-02-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

So you might ask, what house are we building?

OMG - we are up to our 4,378 set of plans, but these are what have been approved by council a few weeks ago. We had to redesign our plans around a tree, yes a tree. A Sydney Blue gum to be precise. As I read on a thread (thanks Stormy) on my favourite site Homeone, they look better on the floor than on my block :) !!! That's why we have pushed the house to the left (tree on right). We also had to meet council's wall articulation, hence some funny wall placements.

And so the blog begins.........

2009-02-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

But the building journey started a while ago.......

Let me take you back 18 months, it was mid 2007 and our family had just expanded a fair bit. Along with DH and myself, we were suddenly parents of 3 kids. How did that happen? Ummmm, well we know that part, what we didn't bargain for was that we would have 2 at the same time! And our poor little double brick recently renovated (by us) bungalow wouldn't cut it for much longer.

What to do?

Build a house of course! Crazy? Yes.

It's a case of getting a (much) bigger house than buying established, in our desired suburb, and it's a NEW house (did I mention that :) )